2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

The four-cylinder finally gets a six-speed automatic.

WHAT’S NEW: The four-cylinder Malibu was previously available only with a four-speed automatic, which we felt compromised its performance in the most recent comparison test of four-cylinder mid-size sedans. Now the four-cylinder car gets the same six-speed that’s available with the V-6, including manual paddle shifters. It’s a welcome upgrade for both fuel-conscious consumers and driving enthusiasts.

SO IS IT BETTER? The six-speed does three things. It improves the four-cylinder’s fuel consumption marginally from an EPA city/highway rating of 22/30 mpg to 22/32 mpg. It helps shave 0.7 second off the 0-to-60-mph time, 2.7 off the 0 to 100, and 0.4 off the quarter-mile. And using the manual mode and the paddles, it’s a sportier drive. We’d be sure to get it because it makes the four-cylinder Malibu a much better car to drive.

WHAT’S THE COST? The six-speed is a $695 option on the $22,295 Malibu 1LT but is standard on the $24,495 2LT and $26,670 LTZ models.

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